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Culham scientist takes research to Parliament | 23/03/2018

A young CCFE physicist had the chance to present research from his PhD to parliamentarians earlier this month.

James Simpson, aged 26, was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants as part of the STEM for BRITAIN awards. It recognises the best work by early-stage or early-career researchers together with their ability to communicate it to a lay audience.

James – who is studying part-time for his PhD at Aalto University in Finland – entered his research into the physics session of the competition. There were additional categories for biological and biomedical science, chemistry, physics, engineering and mathematics. His poster focused on how to manage heat from an artificially created star on Earth.

On presenting his research in Parliament, James said: “I applied for this competition in the hope to show my work to policy makers to illustrate the role nuclear fusion could play in a future or carbon-free power generation.

"It was fascinating to see research from other institutions, and to appreciate how they too are attempting to solve real world problems."

The overall aim of STEM for BRITAIN is to encourage, support and promote the UK's early-career research scientists, engineers, technologists and mathematicians who are an essential part of continuing progress in and development of UK research and R&D.

The competition – which attracts around 500 entrants – was judged by a panel of experts and took place on March 12 during this year's British Science Week.

Stephen Metcalfe MP, chairman of the STEM for BRITAIN organising group of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, sponsored the House of Commons event.